Sharing files between mobile devices is often a pain – while there are tools like Airdrop that make it easy to share files on the same platform, things get more complicated if you want to share files across different platforms.
The easy fix is to use a cloud-based solution – whether that’s emailing each other files or using a service like Dropbox – or using a computer to physically download the files and transfer them. But the first method wastes data and time because the files have to be uploaded and then downloaded, and using a computer is often cumbersome and not always feasible. Fortunately, there are some useful apps that allow you to simplify this process and transfer files wirelessly.
We’ve written about how to share files between iOS and Windows Phone, iOS and Android, and Android and Windows Phone. Now, we’ll walk you through the process of sharing files between Android and BlackBerry devices.
First, if you have a computer handy, it’s a very simple process. Just connect the two phones using a USB cable and go to my computer. You can browse files on both phones, copy-paste and drag-and-drop files between them, just like moving files on your computer.
If you don’t have a computer, you’ll need to use an app to transfer files wirelessly. Our top pick is ES File Explorer because it’s available on Google Play and the Amazon App Store – the latter of which is also accessible to BlackBerry 10 devices, so you can easily install it on both platforms. ES File Explorer is also our favorite file manager – and it’s free – so it’s worth installing even if you don’t want to transfer files right away. Here’s how it works.
1. First, install ES File Explorer on both devices. Android users should click here, while BlackBerry users will need to install the Amazon App Store first and then click here.
2. Next, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the app on both devices and navigate to the file you want to share.
4. Click and hold the file until a check mark appears on the right. Click now more button in the lower right corner of the screen and click send.
5. A pop-up window will scan for other devices running ES File Explorer – click on the name of the other device and a confirmation prompt will appear on the recipient’s phone. Click Confirm and the file will be sent wirelessly.
That’s everything you need to share files wirelessly between Android and BlackBerry devices, and ES File Explorer’s ease of use, clean interface, and convenience make it our top choice.
What methods have you used to share files between mobile devices? Share your tips with us in the comments.
